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Landmark election study launched in Honiara

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BY NED GAGAHE

In a major step for electoral research, the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) on Thursday launched the comprehensive 2024 Solomon Islands Elections Research Report, produced in partnership with the Australian National University (ANU).

The landmark study – the most detailed of its kind ever done in our country – combines data from 5,300 voter surveys and 570 observer reports covering 15 constituencies nationwide.

It provides unprecedented insights into what shaped last year’s national elections.

SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau told attendees the research partnership went beyond paperwork to create real “people-to-people” connections between Solomon Islands and Australian academics.

“True democracy doesn’t end when votes are counted,” Mr Aqorau said.

“When ordinary people get sidelined after elections, we risk creating a system where only the powerful have a voice.”

The report highlights five key areas:

  • How voters learn about elections
  • Problems with voter lists and polling security
  • Why few women enter politics
  • How MP funds influence voting
  • Public trust in the system after elections

ANU’s Dr Sonia Palmieri praised the “historic cooperation” between the universities, while Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor Lindsay Buckingham said the findings would help strengthen Solomon Islands democracy.

Electoral Commission CEO Jasper Anisi welcomed the research, saying: “These findings will help us improve future elections.”

The SINU-ANU research team, including Dr Colin Wiltshire, Dr Lincy Pende, Dr Leonora Houma, Ms Vhairi Devi, and Dr John Fasi also presented on the key findings of the report during the event.

Aqorau closed his remarks with words from former US President Kennedy: “When voters don’t understand the system, everyone’s future is at risk.”

The full report is now available at SINU for students, policymakers and the public.

Aqorau said this is just the beginning of more local research partnerships to come.

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MID continues interlocking block pavement production

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The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has announced the continued production and successful implementation of interlocking block pavement (IBP) at its construction material laboratory.

Recently, the lab reinstated IBP on the in-yards of the Friendship Hall access path, showcasing the durability and quality of these locally made concrete blocks, a MID statement this week said.

Other pilot sites that showcase the IBP technology are the Point Cruz back-road stretch from Advance Building to the Melanesian Church Headquarter, the Auki High School footpath, and the vehicle inspection approaching road, the statement said.

The lab for the past months supplied these innovative interlocking blocks to local contractors and private residences, ensuring that quality materials are accessible for various construction projects.

This initiative is part of the broader IBP Project, which is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to introduce IBP as a new pavement standard throughout the country, the MID statement said.

The IBP technology, which has been designed to improve pavement conditions, will have a significant impact on transportation infrastructure across all provinces as materials are readily available and easier to maintain, the statement said.

The lab has established a partnership with students from the Solomon Islands National University technical field, who are engaged in practical training at the lab as part of their studies.

This collaboration not only provides students with hands-on experience in concrete production and pavement technology but also allows them to receive small allowances for their contributions to the concrete works, the MID statement said.

“The ongoing IBP initiative symbolises our commitment to fostering local talent and improving infrastructure standards through innovative solutions,” said Ishamel Alulu, acting director of Transport Infrastructure Service Division (TIMSD), who is also the deputy director of Quality Assurance.

“We are excited about the benefits this technology brings to our communities and the opportunities it provides for our future professionals.”

High court dismisses APID appeal against Mines minister Tovosia

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The High Court has dismissed an appeal lodged by Asia Pacific Investment Development (APID) Limited against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Bradley Tovosia over the cancellation of APID’s mining licence.

The Mining Lease was originally granted in September 2014 for a 25-year term under the Gordon Darcy Lilo administration, a statement by Government Communications Unit (GCU) yesterday said.

However, the lease was cancelled on June 3, 2021 by Minister Tovosia following APID’s failure to adequately respond to a “show cause” notice issued on April 21, 2021, the GCU statement said.

Tovosia issued the show-cause notice when he became aware of fundamental breaches to the Mining Lease.

During the hearing, the High Court also held that APID, as the holder of the Mining Lease, remained solely responsible for these breaches—despite having subcontracted Bintan Mining Solomon Islands (BMSI).

The Court said under law, all legal and regulatory obligations under the Mines and Minerals Act rested with APID, not its subcontractor, the statement said.

One of the major breaches involved APID’s failure to pay royalties for 15 bauxite shipments from Rennell, GCU said.

Additional violations included operating without fully adhering to the terms and conditions of the Mining Lease, the Mining Agreement, and the Mines and Minerals Act and its accompanying regulations.

The company also breached the Surface Rights Agreement with landowners and the Community Development Agreement with affected local communities, the statement said.

These cumulative breaches prompted Tovosia to cancel the lease, a decision APID contested in court.

APID’s legal representative, Gabriel Suri, filed the appeal which was heard on August 4, 2021.

Suri argued that the “show cause” notice was invalid and that the Minister’s reasons for cancelling the lease were insufficient.

In his ruling, delivered on April 1, 2025, Justice Howard Lawry rejected the appeal, saying that the Minister was justified in his decision.

“Having reviewed the matter de novo and based on the material presented, the decision to cancel the license was the correct one,” Justice Lawry said.

Tovosia welcomed the ruling, emphasising the importance of upholding the law and protecting national interests, the statement said.

The High Court also held that APID despite subcontracting BMSI, was solely responsible for the breaches of Mines and Minerals Act.

As a Mining Lease holder, those obligations were by law APID’s obligations and not BMSI, the statement said.

The High Court held that material before both the Board and the Minister demonstrate that the APID was in serious breach of its licence and agreement.

The High Court also found that APID had knowledge of the breach for two years about the breaches but continued to blame BMSI, the statement said.

“As the responsible Minister, I must ensure compliance with the Mines and Minerals Act, Mining Lease, and other relevant regulations and agreements. Allowing APID Ltd to continue operations for another 18 years would not serve the best interests of the country or the people of Rennell,” Tovosia said.

Media plays a vital role in judiciary and democracy

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

George Hoa’au, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, said the media plays an important role in judiciary and democracy.

PS Hoa’au said this when speaking at the Australia Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice (ASIPJ) Transformational Leadership Dinner program at the Heritage Park Hotel on Wednesday this week.

The ASIPJ dinner program was attended by the Minister counsellor from Australian High Commission Lindsay Buckingham, the Ombudsman, heads of legal agencies, the Attorney General’s Office, PPP, PSO and Law Reform Commission.

“Media is an important part of judiciary and our democracy. The way they ask questions, the way they report things rightly. So, I’m always pleased that we have the media with us,’’ said PS Hoa’au.

“A lot of times when we have the media with us, people think that they are just here to take pictures of events. But the media plays an important role in the way our democracy works, and I’d like to acknowledge that,’’ he said.

He said that the judiciary system must ensure that the media is always part of what they would like to do.

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Rennell-Bellona province to tie the knot soon with Hainan province of China

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Rennell-Bellona province, the national government and the Chinese embassy are working together to officially establish relations between Rennell-Bellona and China’s Hainan province.

Charge d’affaires of PRC embassy office in Honiara, Ding Yonghua said yesterday preparation is underway for the establishment of the milestone relationship.

Yonghua said, “I understand that premier Pongi will lead a delegation to visit Hainan to formally sign the MOU to establish friendly provincial relations with Hainan.

“This trip will be a milestone in the relationship between the two provinces, not only in enhancing the friendship and understanding between the two sides.

“But, also in laying a solid foundation for future cooperation in areas such as trade, agriculture, fisheries, education and people to people exchanges.

“As two island provinces, we believe that Hainan and Renbel have the potential to set a good example for sub-national relations between China and Solomon Islands.

“Let us continue to work together to make this happen,” he said.

Deputy Provincial Secretary of Rennell Bellona province, Mr Aubrey Saueha acknowledged the national government and the Chinese Embassy for efforts behind the undertaking.

He said the idea to forge subnational relationship with foreign province was passed by the previous governments. It was a long-time pursuit of the province.

Saueha noted, the people and government of Rennell Bellona province are looking forward to this historic achievement.

He added that premier Pongi will lead a delegation to Hainan soon to officially sign the MOU for the establishment of the sister-relationship.

Saueha said like other provinces that have similar sub-national relationships, the sister relation will support Rennell Bellona in its economic development.

According to the Deputy PS, key areas under the MOU are yet to be known, but will focus mainly on areas like fisheries, education, agriculture and other exchange programmes.

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PRC supports Renbel with welfare items

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The People’s Republic of China through its embassy has donated welfare items to the people and government of Rennell Bellona province.

The donation was officiated by Charge d’affaires of PRC embassy office, Ding Yonghua to Renbel Premier Derek Pongi, his Deputy Provincial Secretary Mr Aubrey Saueha and two of Pongi’s executive members.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony held at PRC Embassy office yesterday, Yonghua described the ceremony as a special moment between Chinese Embassy and Rennell Bellona province.

“This is a special moment between the Chinese embassy and Renbel province,” he said.

Yonghua expressed honour and contentment on behalf of the embassy to Renbel province, as he announced the donated items. 

  • one small diesel generator
  • eight sewing machines
  • 30 wheeled garbage bins
  • 120 solar powered flashlights
  • 40 solar power systems with solar charging panels
  • 30 radios

He said PRC Embassy office is optimistic the items donated will contribute to improve lives of people in the province.

“I hope these welfare supplies will improve the township management and people’s lives in Renbel province,” Yonghua said.

On behalf of Premier Pongi’s delegation, Deputy Provincial Secretary of Rennell Bellona province, Aubrey Saueha acknowledged PRC through its embassy office for the generous and significant support for the people of Rennell Bellona province.

He described the support as “timely” given the importance it has for the people and communities in the province.

Saueha added that the support is needed by the people and community-based organizations in the province.

He said the executive will decide over the distribution of the support, which likely will be channelled through the MPAs to the people.

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SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT IN SOLOMON ISLANDS

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April 6 is the ‘International Day of Sport for Development and Peace’ which celebrates the power of sport to make positive change, bring people together and promote understanding. So this week I wanted to discuss what the Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership is achieving in sport for development. 

In 2023 we launched the Australia’s Team Up program in Solomon Islands. This Pacific-wide program is locally led and uses sport to champion inclusion for people with and without disabilities, create opportunities to advance equality, address issues like gender-based violence, and develop women leaders on and off the field.

This is in addition to PacificAus Sports which develops pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions, and access high performance coaching in Australia and internationally.

Australia’s sport for development partners are:

  1. Solomon Islands Hockey Federation
  2. Solomon Islands Basketball Federation
  3. Honiara Table Tennis Association
  4. Western Solomons Surfing Association
  5. Athletics Solomon Islands
  6. Solomon Islands Football Federation

These partners deliver programs across Guadalcanal, Central, Western, Isabel, Makira-Ulawa and Malaita Provinces that have touched many lives, with almost 21,000 participants across all 6 programs last year.

On 25 November Prime Minister Manele said ensuring the safety and well-being of all women and girls is a priority for his government, especially by preventing and addressing gender-based violence. These programs support this vision by giving women and girls equal opportunities to participate, learn and grow, and by teaching participants about respect and equality.

Jobs and the economy are also a priority for the Solomon Islands Government. Team Up contributes to this by creating paid jobs that wouldn’t exist otherwise and work experience and transferable skill development for the many passionate and dedicated volunteers that make these programs possible. For example, sport for development volunteers develop public speaking, event management, and time management skills, among others, that allow them to find employment elsewhere

Across all 6 programs, there are 14 full-time employees, 5 part-time employees, and almost 150 volunteers. More than half of the staff across these programs are women.

Just Play Program

I’ve seen the passion Solomon Islanders have for football and I’m glad that Australia was able to support the Solomon Islands Football Federation with their Player Development Pathway Program which has 6 men from the national team playing professional football in Australia. The Just Play Program aims to use inclusivity and equal opportunities to retain girl’s interest in sports and is now piloting an Emergency Preparedness curriculum. An April school festival in East Vella La Vella had children ‘learning through play’ across six stations with different key messages about how to be prepared during a natural disaster.

Hook in4 Health

Hockey, a favourite sport in Australia, has boomed since the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands. Alongside the Oceania Hockey Federation, the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation has reached nearly 13,000 school kids in 2024. This program uses sport to teach kids to make informed choices about health and wellbeing, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and nutrition.

Basketball for Good

The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation and FIBA Oceania are delivering the ‘Basketball for Good’ program which uses games, skills sessions and discussions to teach fair play, the importance of respect, and how to develop confidence and encourage teamwork.

Women Make Waves

Australia is known for great surf breaks, and Solomon Islands has some amazing surfing spots too. In Western Province, the Western Solomons Surfing Association in partnership with SurfAid, the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association, and the Family Support Centre, has been educating communities about women’s health, equality, improving resilience among gender-based violence survivors, and fostering women’s leadership roles.

Included Through Sport

This program uses athletics to ensure people with visible and non-visible disabilities can participate equally in community activities. Athletics Solomons, with support from Sport Inclusion Australia and Oceania Athletics, has trained coaches and volunteers to deliver sport in an inclusive way across Guadalcanal, Central and Malaita Provinces. A major milestone of this program was 15 athletes from the Special Development Centre competing in the National Championships in 2024.

Smash Down Barriers and Bounce it Back

Honiara Table Tennis Federation and the International Table Tennis Federation – Oceania have delivered the ‘Smash Down Barriers’ and ‘Bounce it Back’ programs in schools and disability centres in Guadalcanal. Sessions promote the importance of physical activity as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Better quality of life from improved physical and mental health

Sport has real benefits for society – active and happy children, who learn lessons about hand hygiene and healthy eating stay well and in school (meaning parents can go to work and earn a living), and stay out of trouble, reducing the burden of anti-social behaviour for communities, families, schools and police.

Children who are confident in their abilities are prepared for future challenges which is key to their personal and academic growth.

Alongside school, church and family, safe, structured and inclusive sport is developing the next generation of Solomon Islanders and helping maximise the participation of women and people with disabilities in society.  

Lukim iu neks taem!

Flysolomons peace marathon to be held in eastern Guadalcanal this year

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By Loretta B Manele

The FlySolomons Peace Marathon 2025 will be held in eastern part of Guadalcanal in August this year.

Jenny Lobo, marketing supervisor for Solomon Airlines Ltd stressed this during a press conference yesterday.

She explained that this year Solomon Airlines is partnering with Tourism Solomons, Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and Travel Solomons to host the event.

Lobo pointed out that unlike in the past where the event was usually held in the western part of Guadalcanal, from Kakabona and further down, this time round, they plan to have the race at the eastern side of Guadalcanal, from bloody ridge and around Tenaru school area.

She said apart from the peace marathon; they will also commemorate the 83rd Anniversary Battle of Guadalcanal.

Lobo mentioned that they have received interest from international runners as well to be part of the event.

She said Solomon Airlines sees the event as a good initiative to have as an airline and it’s a commitment for them to give back to the community as well.

“So, we are giving back in a way that we want to get everyone to come out from their workplaces, communities, come out from wherever they belong and then we can come together to take part in this event.”

She said the event is about promoting peace where we not only talk about peace but we will also be running for peace whilst at the same time marking the 83rd Anniversary Battle of Guadalcanal.

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Tourism Solomons honoured to be part of peace marathon event

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By Loretta B Manele

Tourism Solomons is honoured to be part of the Flysolomons Peace Marathon 2025 event.

Fiona Teama, head of Sales and Marketing – Tourism Solomons expressed this when speaking at a joint press conference with Solomon Airlines, Travel Solomons and Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT).

“From the tourism perspective, we are very supportive and I’m very honoured once again to be partnering with Solomon Airlines, Travel Solomons and of course our government ministry, Ministry of Culture and Tourism.”

She emphasised that the main objective of Tourism Solomons in supporting the event is because of the many significant World War 2 sites.

“Now as the National Tourism Office, we are mandated to market and promote. The World War II history is one of our major attractions here, especially Guadalcanal.”

She said when travelling overseas, Guadalcanal is more familiar to people outside than Solomon Islands itself and they want to switch around that perspective and for people to know about Solomon Islands when they’re are.

Teama mentioned that there are groups of people from North America as well as from Japan, who come over to the country every year in August.

Henceforth, she said the event is a good platform for people who travel that long distance to come to our country as a destination to not only participate and enjoy but to also learn about the history of the Battle of Guadalcanal.

“We are very supportive towards that in partnering with Solomon Airlines and Travel Solomons.

“You will also note that our government is really committed to developing some of these sites. There’s a major, major project going on at Bloody Ridge and I guess that’s why Travel Solomons, as the event coordinator, wanted to switch it around.”

She said every year the peace marathon takes place on the western part of Guadalcanal but this year they want to highlight the battlefield sites on the eastern part of the Guadalcanal.

Teama also noted that this year marks the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal.

“So, we will be supporting Solomon Airlines and Travel Solomons in marketing and promoting, not only domestically, but internationally as well.”

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Solomon Airlines, Travel Solomons and Tourism Solomons unite to launch Flysolomons peace marathon 2025

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By Loretta B Manele

Solomon Airlines, Travel Solomons and Tourism Solomons have united to launch the Flysolomons Peace Marathon 2025.

According to a joint press release, the three parties are proud to jointly announce the highly anticipated return of the event set for August 30.

As stated, the landmark event marks the triumphant revival of the Peace Marathon which started back in 2009 as a grassroots initiative to promote peace, wellness and community cohesion across Solomon Islands.

“Recreated and reimagined as a flagship sporting and tourism event, the 2025 Flysolomons Peace Marathon celebrates the Solomon Islands unique blend of wartime legacy and modern spirit of unity, reunion and international engagement.”

The marathon route will have runners on a powerful journey, running through key historical grounds starting from Tenaru School through Hell’s Point, Alligator Creek, Bloody Ridge and Fighter One.

Meanwhile, the event will also mark the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal, further positioning the country as the Pacific’s leading WW2 heritage tourism destination.

John Wopereis, Solomon Airlines commercial manager, expressed that the Peace Marathon is more than a race as it is also a celebration of who we are and where we’ve come from.

“We’re honoured to be the official airline naming rights sponsor and to help carry the Solomon Islands story to the world.”

Dagnal Dereveke, acting CEO for Tourism Solomons, said they are delighted to be once again involved in what has become a major fixture on the Solomon Islands annual calendar of events.

“While this event holds huge appeal for serious athletes, both within the Solomon Islands and from overseas, it is really pleasing to see how local people from all backgrounds, runners and non-runners alike have taken the Flysolomons Peace Marathon to heart and in doing so, helped firmly entrenched this community event as a fun-filled fixture on their annual social calendar.”

Solomon Airlines, the official naming rights sponsor will take the lead in promoting the marathon regionally and internationally together with Tourism Solomons, reflecting their deep commitment to tourism growth, cultural pride and national storytelling.

The event is said to feature four race categories, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all.

For the 21.1km half marathon, registration fee is $50, for 10km race, registration fee is $30, for 5km race, $30 and lastly, for 2km community fun run, the registration fee is $20.

The Flysolomons Peace Marathon envisioned as an inclusive, impactful event blending sport, heritage and community is expecting over 1,000 participants from both local and international communities.

Participants can register via the official registration form online or submit in person at Travel Solomons office at NPF building ground floor or send an email to [email protected].

“The Flysolomons Peace Marathon 2025 is set to become a cornerstone of the Solomon Islands annual events calendar, where remembrance, resilience and regional unity converge on the world stage.”

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